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Danny Ray Martin, a native of McKenzie, TN, has been called " West Tennessee 's answer to John Scofield." (The Commercial Appeal, 2005).

A long-time fan of Shawn Lane and John McLaughlin, the influences of eastern rhythms, funk syncopations and Latin swing can be heard in Martin's modern fusion compositions, and his style on the guitar is reminiscent of both Scofield and Pat Martino.

Surrounding himself with talented players, Martin pushes himself as an artist and is rarely satisfied with his own achievements. Perhaps it is that hunger for greatness that creates the passion and sensuality underscoring all his performances.

After completing post-graduate work at Berklee College of Music in Boston , Martin went on to private study with the late Shawn Lane . He also formed The Danny Ray Martin Quartet, adding an array of tremendously-talented players; Bob Bowers (saxophone), Travis Vance (upright and electric bass), and Mike Walters (percussion). Martin's quartet has played every venue in the South from dives to performing arts centers.

Martin, who lives in Nashville with his wife, two Chihuahuas and four cats, has toured with country and pop groups and plays the occasional solo gig as well, changing pace to work out his classical chops. Recently Martin opened the East Nashville School of Music where he will teach all levels and styles of guitar as well as improvisation and guitar for songwriters.

 

Bob Bowers (saxophone/flute) has been a professional musician for over 25 years. In that time he has played almost every style of music all over the world. The instruments he plays most often include the saxophones, flutes, clarinet, bass clarinet, bassoon, keyboards, and guitar. He's performed or recorded on almost every woodwind instrument, often in circumstances that could fairly be described as "colorful."

Bob has performed with and arranged for some of the biggest names in show business, including: Vassar Clements, The Four Tops, The Temptations, Dan Martin, Gladys Knight, Percy Sledge, Cab Calloway, 'Truth', The Glen Miller Orchestra, Bobby Vinton,The Dirty Dozen Brass Band, The Guy Lombardo Orchestra, BB Kings House Rockers, Lake Charles Symphony Orchestra, Rapides Symphony Orchestra, Owensboro Symphony Orchestra, Anita Bryant, Shoji Tabuchi, Syndicate of Soul, The McGuire Sisters, Radio Daze, Clarence Dobbins, The Jimmy Church Band, Danny Ray Martin, and Hershel Bailey.

Mike Walter (drums/percussion) has himself been a student of an incredible roster of players/teachers—Cary Ehrenfeld, David Throckmorton, Roger Humphries, Greg Humphries, Bob Gullotti and Johnny Rabb. After attending the University of Pittsburgh and Berklee College of Music, Mike went on to play with Dr. Zoot and the Suits, Ben McKay, Shanna Crooks, the Danny Ray Martin Quartet, Transit 3, Dianna Gatto, DirtPharm and Muzik Mafia. Mike currently performs with Will Champlin.

He has recorded with Flatt & Alvis, Dianno Gatto, Ben McKay, Transit 3, Kellee Gooch and Michelle Cummings. Mike has shared the stage with Dave Roe, George Teren, Flatt & Alvis, James Otto, Jon Nicholson and Big & Rich.

Travis Vance (bass) started playing piano at five and bass at fourteen. He also has experience playing tuba, trombone, guitar, and percussion. Travis attended Berklee from 1998 to 2003, studying with Anthony Vitti, Kenwood Dennard, and Jamey Haddad. He has played with Oblio, Ben McKay, Joel Fry, Jonathon Scales, Dianna Gatto,and Danny Ray Martin.

With over ten years professional recording and performing experience,Travis is known around Nashville for his incredible, solo bass shows and for his work in funk, jazz, Latin, fusion, rock, metal, country, bluegrass and classical. Travis plays four, five and six string bass, both fretless and fretted.

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